Panther Seelster, one of 79 three-year-olds nominated to this year's Pepsi North America Cup, kicked off his career on a winning note in the Wednesday night opener at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Panther Seelster went three-wide around stalled cover on the backstretch to take command and paced away by three lengths to win his career debut in 1:59.4. Midnight Matt finished second off a pocket trip ahead of Airway, who had fronted the field of seven through panels of :30, 1:01.1 and 1:30.2.

Sent postward as the 6-5 favourite in the $6,500 pace for non-winners of $4,000 lifetime, Panther Seelster returned $4.40 to win.

Bred by Seelster Farms, the Camluck-Platinum Seelster gelding was a $30,000 yearling at the 2016 Forest City Sale purchased by Scott and Keith Manders of Watford, Ont. Robert Manders handles the training duties while Ryan Holliday drove the full-brother to former Ontario Sires Stakes star Prodigal Seelster.

Click here to view a full list of horses nominated to the 35th edition of the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup, which is set for Saturday, June 9 at Woodbine, Mohawk Park. The first sustaining payment is due tomorrow (Thursday, March 15) and the final two payments are due April 15 and May 15.

Wednesday's $8,900 Preferred 3 Trot, contested over 1-1/16 miles, was won by 7-5 favourite Seeyou Men, who rallied three-high around the final turn to defeat pacesetter Rainbow Gold by one and a quarter lengths in 2:06.4. Robert Shepherd worked out the winning trip aboard the homebred Muscle Mass-Seeyouinthecircle gelding for trainer Isabelle Darveau and owners Catheline Pelletier and Chantal Gravel. Star Photo settled for third after his first-over journey at 34-1.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Western Fair.